Crew members from Victory Cruise Lines' two ships, the Victory I and Victory II, were removed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during the ships' routine operations in the Port of Detroit, according to the cruise line.
Sources familiar with the situation said that on July 9 and 11, the CBP removed 13 crew members who had previously been cleared for entry into the U.S. and to work onboard the ships by the CBP. The cruise line obtains crew members primarily through third parties, a source said, which vets the crew members, who have valid work visas. The ships are currently operating Great Lakes itineraries.
A CBP spokesperson said the federal agency is involved in an ongoing operation on the Great Lakes and that due to the nature of this operation, they are unable to provide further details at this time.
"We are actively cooperating with federal authorities to clarify the circumstances, and my priority is always our crew and the experience for our guests," said John Waggoner, the founder and chairman of Victory. "We wish to thank federal, state and local representatives across the Great Lakes for their prompt and continued attention to this matter."
The Victory I. Photo Credit: Anne Kalosh
Two coastal ships with a long history get a new lease on life.
According to social media reports, other ships operating overnight cruises on the Great Lakes have also had crew removed by federal agents.
Waggoner and other company executives are visiting both ships this week.
Victory re-entered service in late April following Waggoner's purchase of the brand and ships last year after American Queen Voyages' closure.
Victory's ships offer Great Lakes and New England-Canada itineraries through the fall.
Update: This report was updated July 15 with a quote from John Waggonner.